Milestones

KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL ACT
EVENTS & MILESTONE CHRONOLOGY

19 AUG 1999: Development of a website was begun by 5 New Jersey veterans to see how much interest there was around the Country to start a movement to have a service medal awarded for Korea service from 28 July 1954 to the present date. The group was named THE KOREA DEPLOYMENT RESPECT AND RECOGNITION COMMITTEE. Those veterans were Jim Swails, Woody Garretson, Ben Baker, Mitch Stanley and Norm Tredway.

SEP 1999: The National Headquarters, Veterans of Foreign Wars, pledges support for a Korea service medal and informs the KDRRC it has Resolution No. 441 in place to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM).

19 SEP 1999: A formal proposal was sent by the KDRRC to the Secretary of Defense, William Cohen, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Henry Shelton, to award the AFEM or an alternative medal of equal status.

11 NOV 1999: KDRRC Resolutions are created to award the AFEM (to support VFW No. 441), UN Korea Service Medal, a R.O.K. medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Peacekeeping Medal (alternative medal to AFEM if the Defense Department refused the AFEM) and Combat recognition on a case-by-case basis for Korea service after 27 July 1954. The alternative medal is not pursued at this time.

09 DEC 1999: KDRRC Resolution R.106 and the formal proposal to award the AFEM for Korea service is delivered to the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) with copies to: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chiefs of Staff for each service branch and the VFW , American Legion, AMVETS and DAV.

03 MAR 2000: The KDRRC provides 10 questions to Secretary of Defense Cohen to help the organization and Korea defense veterans better understand the Department of Defenses’ position for not recognizing Korea service. (See questions)

13 MAR 2000: A Nationwide petition is begun via the Internet to gather names of persons supporting the award of a service medal for Korea service. The petition will be presented to Congress, the Defense Department (DOD) and the White House.

9 JUN 2000: The KDRRC is reorganized as The Korea Defense Veterans Alliance (KDVA).

10 JUN 2000: The KDVA discards further plans to seek the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal after receiving word from the Awards Branch that this medal will not be made retroactive back to 28 July 1954 under any circumstance. Only three medal options are available. The options are: award the AFEM, award the KSM with Date Scroll Device, create and award a new medal. The Alliance will now pursue the Korean Service Medal with "Date Scroll Device" based on regulation information provided. It is decided the KDVA will pursue each option when one is rejected outright.

11 JUN 2000: KDRRC Resolution No. 100 to award the Korea Service Medal is amended as KDVA Resolution No. 100 to award the KSM with Date Scroll Device for service after 27 Jul 1954 and is sent to the SECDEF and JCS.

September 2000: Military Magazine publishes KDVA article, Half a Century of Conflict Without Recognition, written by KDVA Armed Forces Director, SGM Hoyle Hodges and National Chairman, Norm Tredway.

29 SEP 2000: Membership to the KDVA is opened as a result of the huge volume of requests from supporters.

10 OCT 2000: Carl Lombard, Combat Infantryman's Association, Inc. National Commander contacted the KDVA and stated that the C.I.A. fully supported the KDVA mission for the award of a service medal. The KDVA considers this a major endorsement.

12 OCT 2000: *** Major milestone *** General Thomas A. Schwartz, Commander in Chief, U.S. Forces Korea/UN Command/Combined Forces Command, responded to a letter sent to him by the KDVA and stated that his staff was currently working to gain approval for some form of the Korean Service Medal. He said, "neverless, United States Forces Korea and the Korea Defense Veterans Alliance are moving in the same direction." The letter was signed in his own hand.

09 Feb 2001: USS Pueblo Veterans Association offers support and becomes a member of the Alliance. This is another major endorsement.

10 Feb 2001: DMZ Vets Association offers support and becomes a member of the Alliance.

03 May 2001: The Air Force Security Police Association offers support and becomes a member of the Alliance.

19 May 2001: *** Major Milestone*** After receiving a document from the Awards Branch that the KSM with Date Scroll Device will not be awarded because it would demean the original award the KDVA elects to seek a newly created medal called The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM). (Read KDSM description). KDVA Resolution No. 106 is created to award the KDSM. This resolution was modified and renumbered as 001after incorporation. (Read R.001)

22 MAY 2001: *** Major Milestone *** Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA 23rd) introduces Bill H.R.1935, The Korea Defense Service Medal Act, instructing the Secretary of Defense to issue a campaign medal to each person who served in Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. This bill was cosponsored by 40 Representatives. The Congressman was honoring a request made to him by constituent and KDVA Southern Pacific Region Director John Maclean of Ventura, CA. (Read H.R.1935) (Read H.R.1935 Press Release)

08 JUN 2001: *** Major Milestone *** Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced Senate Bill S.999, The Korea Defense Service Medal Act, a corresponding bill to H.R1935. The bill was cosponsored by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS). Senator Bingaman responded to a request by the KDVA national chairman to bring respect to Korea service by introducing a bill in the Senate. (Read S.999) (Read S.999 Press Release)

29 AUG 2002: VFW notified KDVA Headquarters that they passed Resolution No. 459 (created by Tri-Boro Memorial Post 5479 in New Jersey as Resolution No. 1) at the National Convention in Nashville, TN, 24-30 AUG 2002, to award The Korea Defense Service Medal to all military personnel stationed in Korea after 27 July 1954.

4 SEP 2001: The American Legion notified KDVA Headquarters that they passed Resolution No. 69 created in Maryland at the National Convention in San Antonio, TX, 28 Aug 2001, to award The Korea Defense Service Medal to all military personnel stationed in Korea after 27 July 1954.

4 SEP 2001: AMVETS notified KDVA HQ that they created and passed Resolution No. 01-61 at the National Convention in Dallas, TX, 17 August 2001, to award the AFEM for Korea service.

12 FEB 2002: Representative Jim Turner (TX) became the 31st House Armed Services Committee member to cosponsor H.R.1935 giving the bill a majority of HASC members.

03 APR 2002: The KDVA became incorporated in New Jersey as the Korea Defense Veterans of America, Inc.

23 APR 2002: Senator Tim Hutchinson (AR) becomes the 13th Senate Armed Services Committee member to cosponsor S.999 giving the bill a majority of SASC members.

06 JUN 2002: Senator Christopher Bond (MO) became the 51st cosponsor on bill S.999 giving the bill a majority of Senators as cosponsors.

16 JUN 2002: Representative Ken Lucas (KY) is the 220th cosponsor of H.R.1935 giving the bill a majority of the House of Representatives as cosponsors.

27 JUN 2002: *** Major milestone *** The Senate approved the original language of the bills (H.R.1935 and S.999) and incorporated the KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL ACT into their version of the National Defense Authorization FY2003. House bill H.R.1935 had 244 sponsor/cosponsors with a majority of the House Armed Services Committee members, and Senate bill S.999 had 64 sponsor/cosponsors with a majority of Senate Armed Services Committee members.

12 SEP 2002: KDVA named as a Veterans Service Organization by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

8 OCT 2002: KDVA named as a Veterans Service Organization by the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

12 NOV 2002: *** Major Milestone *** Conferees complete National Defense Authorization FY2003.

12 NOV 2002: *** Major Milestone *** The House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Bill FY 2003.

13 NOV 2002: *** Major Milestone *** The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Bill FY 2003.

16 NOV 2002: The National Petition that was started 13 Mar 2000 provided 11,798 signatures from persons around the country who supported the award of a service medal for Korea cease-fire service.

16 NOV 2002: The final results of the KDVA National Opinion Poll taken on the Internet were very favorable. A total of 2,451 people participated in the poll answering three questions. The final statistics were:
Question 1. Should U.S. Troops stationed in Korea since 27 July 1954 receive a service medal? 98% said "Yes".
Question 2. How dangerous is North Korea? 93% said "Very Dangerous".
Question 3. Should the U.S. remove troops from South Korea? 81% said "No" and 13% said "Yes".

22 NOV 2002: The National Defense Authorization FY2003 containing the KDSM was delivered to the White House at 3:45 PM this day. It is reported that the President has until 7 DEC 2002 to sign the bill. (Read final Bill language)

2 DEC 2002: *** FINAL MILESTONE *** President George W. Bush signed the The National Defense Authorization FY2003 containing the Korea Defense Service Medal Act that instructs the Secretary of Defense to award the Korea Defense Service Medal to all current and former Armed Forces members that served in Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. See Public Law 107-314. (Read the Victory Press Release)

ADDITIONAL MILESTONES CONNECTED WITH THE KDSM

27 MAR 2003: KDSM design by John Sproston with description released to KDVA National Finance Officer John Christoff (See KDSM Click Here)

28 May 2003: The KDSM qualifies service men and women for hiring eligibility and veterans' preference (Read Press Release)

18 Aug 2003: KDVA MD State Commander, John Weaver, the KDVA's point man on the KDSM order of precedence issue sent a letter to MAJ Johnson at the Awards Branch noting that the KDSM order of precedence should not follow the GWOT medals because of the authorization dates, eligibility dates, dates service began and imminent danger status: 1. The KDSM was authorized by President Bush on 2 Dec 2002 and the GWOTS were authorized 12 Mar 2003 (Authorization dates), 2. KDSM eligibility dates begin 27 Jul 1954 and the GWOTS start on 11 Sep 2001 (Eligibility dates), Korea cease-fire service began 27 Jul 1953 and the war on terrorism began 11 Sep 2001 (Service dates), the KDSM is a campaign medal equal to the AFEM or other recognized campaign medals, i.e., KSM, VSM, SWAM, KCM, (Imminent danger acknowledged) and the GWOT Service Medal is equivalent to the Armed Forces Special Service Medal (Non imminent danger status) therefore the KDSM should not follow the GWOTSM in precedence.

21 Aug 2003: Representative Elton Gallegly, CA 24th District, our KDSM Champion, sent a letter to Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Personnel and Management, William Carr, OSD, stating that the order of precedence for the KDSM should follow the Korea Service Medal (KSM) based on the eligibility of the medal. Medal eligibility dates have traditionally been used as the determining factor in medal precedence. He further stated that if the authorization date is used the KDSM must then directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal and precede the GWOTS.

H.R.1935 INTRODUCTION OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Pfeifer
May 22, 2001

Gallegly Introduces Korean Defense Service Medal Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura County) today introduced a bill that would award a Korea Defense Service Medal to members of the armed forces who served in Korea after the Korean War ended.

More than 40,000 members of the United States armed forces have served on the Korean Peninsula each year since the cease-fire agreement in July 1953 ended the Korean War. Since then, an estimated 1,200 servicemen and women have died as a direct result of the service in Korea.

"It is appropriate, as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, that we remember the thousands of dedicated and brave men and women we have sent to Korea to protect our interests," Gallegly said. "Despite a cease-fire signed nearly 50 years ago, Korea has remained, and continues to be, a dangerous part of the world. This recognition is long overdue."

Gallegly introduced the bill after a Korean veteran from his district pointed out the lack of a service medal for those who served in Korea.

Service medals are given the veterans who serve in particular regions during times of hostility or the threat of hostility. For example, those who served in Berlin during the Cold War were awarded a service medal. Since the Korean armistice was signed, there have been more than 40,000 breaches of the cease-fire, making it among the more dangerous places to serve.

Gallegly introduced the bill with more than 40 original and bipartisan cosponsors, including Congressman Floyd Spence (R-South Carolina), a Korea veteran and chairman emeritus of the Armed Services Committee. Including Spence, 15 cosponsors serve on the Armed Services Committee. Of those, five Republicans and five Democrats also serve on the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Awarding a Korean service medal is also supported by U.S. Army Gen. Thomas A. Schwartz, commander in chief of the United States Forces Korea.

###

Tom Pfeifer
Press Secretary to Congressman Elton Gallegly
2427 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Korea Defense Service Medal Act (Introduced in the House)

HR 1935 IH
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1935

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for a Korea Defense Service Medal to be issued to members of the Armed Forces who participated in operations in Korea after the end of the Korean War.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 22, 2001

Mr. GALLEGLY (for himself, Mr. Spence, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Weldon of Pennsylvania, Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi, Mr. McKeon, Ms. McKinney, Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Blagojevich, Mr. Scarborough, Mr. Langevin, Mr. RYUN of Kansas, Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Kirk, Mrs. Tauscher, Mr. Schrock, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. Simmons, Mr. Berman, Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Rush, Mr. Souder, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Weiner, Ms. Hart, Mr. Stenholm, Mr. Weller, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Fossella, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, Mr. Kolbe, Mr. Filner, Mr. Schaffer, Mr. Rothman, Mr. English, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Wolf) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

A BILL

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Korea Defense Service Medal Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1) More than 40,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have served on the Korean Peninsula each year since the signing of the cease-fire agreement in July 1953 ending the Korean War.

(2) An estimated 1,200 members of the United States Armed Forces died as a direct result of their service in Korea since the cease-fire agreement in July 1953.

SEC. 3. KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL.

(a) ARMY- (1) Chapter 357 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 3754. Korea Defense Service Medal

`(a) The Secretary of the Army shall issue a campaign medal, to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal, to each person who while a member of the Army served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c).

`(b) In this section, the term `KDSM eligibility period' means the period beginning on July 28, 1954, and ending on such date after the date of the enactment of this section as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense to be appropriate for terminating eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal.

`(c) The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal. Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.'

(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`3754. Korea Defense Service Medal.'.
(b) NAVY AND MARINE CORPS- (1) Chapter 567 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 6256. Korea Defense Service Medal

`(a) The Secretary of the Navy shall issue a campaign medal, to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal, to each person who while a member of the Navy or Marine Corps served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c).

`(c) The Secretary of the Navy shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal. Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.'.

(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`6256. Korea Defense Service Medal.'.
(c) AIR FORCE- (1) Chapter 857 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 8754. Korea Defense Service Medal

`(a) The Secretary of the Air Force shall issue a campaign medal, to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal, to each person who while a member of the Air Force served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c).

`(c) The Secretary of the Air Force shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal. Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.'.

(2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`8754. Korea Defense Service Medal.'.
(d) AWARD FOR SERVICE BEFORE DATE OF ENACTMENT- The Secretary of the military department concerned shall take appropriate steps to provide in a timely manner for the issuance of the Korea Defense Service Medal, upon application therefor, to persons whose eligibility for that medal is by reason of service in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto before the date of the enactment of this Act.

S.999 INTRODUCTION OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 8, 2001

BINGAMAN SEEKS SERVICE MEDALS FOR KOREA VETS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman has introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize the awarding of a service medal to each of the thousands of men and women whose time in Korea following the end of the Korean War has gone unrecognized.

Veterans who served during the Korean War have been honored for their service with medals and a memorial in Washington, D.C. But more than 40,000 members of the United States armed forces have served in Korea since the signing of a cease fire agreement in July 1953. Technically, North and South Korea remain at war to this day, and over the decades the cease fire agreement has been breached numerous times.

"Some 1,239 United States Service personnel have been killed in Korea during the past 47 years, and 87 have been captured, imprisoned and in many cases tortured," Bingaman said. "Despite this, the Department of Defense hasn't awarded service medals to those who served in Korea after the cease fire agreement was signed. I'm hopeful Congress will act to extend a long overdue expression of gratitude to the thousands of men and women in uniform who have put their lives on the front line for peace."

Bingaman noted that there have been more casualties in Korea since 1954 than in Sinai, Grenada, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Kuwait. Yet service awards have been presented to participants in each of those operations, but not to those who have served in Korea. To remedy the situation, Bingaman has introduced a measure (S. 999) that calls on the secretaries of the Army, Air Force and Navy to issue a service medal to be called the Korea Defense Service Medal. The medal will be awarded to those who served in Korea after July 28, 1954 pursuant to requirements outlined by the secretaries of each military branch.

The measure introduced by Bingaman is cosponsored by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). A similar measure has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Elton Gallegy (R-Calif.).

107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 999

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for a Korea Defense Service Medal to be issued to members of the Armed Forces
who participated in operations in Korea after the end of the Korean War.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JUNE 7,2001

Mr. Bingaman (for himself and Mr. Roberts) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

A BILL

To amend title 10,United States Code,to provide for a Korea Defense Service Medal to be issued to members of the Armed Forces who participated in operations in Korea after the end of the Korean War.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Korea Defense Service Medal Act ’’

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:

(1)More than 40,000 members of the United States Armed Forces have served on the Korean Peninsula each year since the signing of the cease-fire agreement in July 1953 ending the Korean War.

(2)An estimated 1,200 members of the United States Armed Forces died as a direct result of their service in Korea since the cease-fire agreement in July 1953.

SEC. 3. KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL.

(a)ARMY.—(1)Chapter 357 of title 10,United States Code,is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

‘‘§ 3754. Korea Defense Service Medal

‘‘(a)The Secretary of the Army shall issue a campaign medal,to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal,to each person who while a member of the Army served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c)

‘‘(b)In this section,the term ‘KDSM eligibility period ’means the period beginning on July 28,1954,and ending on such date after the date of the enactment of this section as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense to be appropriate for terminating eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal.

‘‘(c)The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal.
Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.’’

(2)The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

‘‘3754.Korea Defense Service Medal.’’.

(b)NAVY AND MARINE CORPS.—(1)Chapter 567 of title 10,United States Code,is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

‘‘§ 6256. Korea Defense Service Medal 15

‘‘(a)The Secretary of the Navy shall issue a campaign medal,to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal,to each person who while a member of the Navy or Marine Corps served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c).

‘‘(c)The Secretary of the Navy shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal.
Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.’’.

(2)The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

‘‘6256.Korea Defense Service Medal.’’.

(c)AIR FORCE.—(1)Chapter 857 of title 10,United States Code,is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

‘‘§ 8754. Korea Defense Service Medal

‘‘(a)The Secretary of the Air Force shall issue a campaign medal,to be known as the Korea Defense Service Medal,to each person who while a member of the Air Force served in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto during the KDSM eligibility period and met the service requirements for the award of that medal prescribed under subsection (c).

‘‘(c)The Secretary of the Air Force shall prescribe service requirements for eligibility for the Korea Defense Service Medal. Those requirements shall not be more stringent than the service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for instances in which the award of that medal is authorized.’’.

(2)The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

‘‘8754.Korea Defense Service Medal.’’.

(d)AWARD FOR SERVICE BEFORE DATE OF ENACTMENT.—The Secretary of the military department concerned shall take appropriate steps to provide in a timely manner for the issuance of the Korea Defense Service Medal, upon application therefor, to persons whose eligibility for that medal is by reason of service in the Republic of Korea or the waters adjacent thereto before the date of the enactment of this Act.

SENATE APPROVES ORIGINAL BILLS (H.R. 1935 and S. 999) LANGUAGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Pfeifer
June 28, 2002

Senate OK's Gallegly Korea Defense Service Medal Language

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved language championed by Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura County) that directs the Department of Defense to issue a Korea Defense Service Medal.

Last year, the House passed the Gallegly language, but the Senate approved language that only asked the DOD to consider a medal. The Senate language prevailed in the final bill. But the DOD has not moved to consider the medal, leading Gallegly and his allies in the Senate to push for the stronger language in this year's Senate bill.

With the Senate now on board with the stronger language, it makes it more likely the full Congress will sign on.
Gallegly introduced the Korea Defense Service Medal Act last year, which directs the DOD to award a Korea Defense Service Medal to members of the armed forces who served in Korea after July 1954.

"As we continue to fight terrorism around the world-and recognizing that North Korea continues to be identified as a sponsor of terrorism-it is important to recognize the servicemen and women who served and fought on the Korean Peninsula over the past 48 years," Gallegly said. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for recognizing that the DOD will not correct this oversight unless Congress specifically directs them to."

More than 40,000 members of the United States armed forces have served on the Korean Peninsula each year since July 1953. Since then, an estimated 1,200 servicemen and women have died as a direct result of their Korean service.

Service medals are given to U.S. military personnel who serve in military operations or campaigns. For example, those who served in Berlin during the Cold War were awarded a service medal. Since the Korean armistice was signed, there have been more than 40,000 breaches of the cease-fire, making it among the more dangerous places to serve.

Gallegly's Korea Defense Service Medal Act currently has 236 cosponsors, including 40 members of the House Armed Services Committee. The companion bill introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) has 59 cosponsors, including 16 members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The language was included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2003.

###

Tom Pfeifer
Director of Communications to Congressman Elton Gallegly

Dedicated to U.S. Armed Forces Deployed to South Korea After July 27, 1954


March 2, 2000

		Norm Tredway National Chairman 422 Lincoln Avenue Dunellen, NJ 08812-1127 732 752-8457

Honorable William S. Cohen Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Secretary Cohen,

I am writing to you as the representative of thousands of former and current U.S. Armed Forces members deployed to Korea after 27 July 1954. We feel we are either misinformed or confused as to the status of the War that began in 1950. We write to you to help us understand that state of the war and current conditions. We will publish this letter and your response so that we may all understand that which today thoroughly confuses us. We think we know the answers, but our government, the Republic of Korea and the United Nations seem to contradict what we believe. We have some very simple questions that we would appreciate your response to. They are:

1. Do you consider the Korean War officially ended?
2. If yes, who won?
3. If ended, why is there a Demilitarized Zone with armed soldiers patrolling for 47 years?
4. What function has the United Nations performed in Korea since 27 July 1953?
5. If ended, why are U.S. Armed Forces deployed to Korea in a defensive posture for 47 years?
6. If ended, why is the U.S. led UN Command still in control of military operations after 47 years?
7. If ended, why have so many American and R.O.K. soldiers died, sustained wounds, and been captured as a result of direct and deliberate hostile actions by North Korean Armed Forces during a cease-fire agreement for 47 years?
8. Why are gas masks issued to American dependents living in South Korea today?
9. Do you think the things mentioned above create a perception that the war is NOT over in Korea?
10. If American Armed Forces are not in a peacekeeping role, what role are they engaged in?

Why do you state that Korea is, “perhaps the hottest flash point in the world”? The last question is a bit more personal and comes straight from the heart of former American Armed Forces members deployed in defense of Korea for 47 years. How do you think we feel about our deployment to Korea that has proven to be more hostile than deployments to other regions where U.S. military personnel receive the respect and recognition of a service medal. This is not just personal recognition, but further says that the deployment has real meaning and real accomplishment. We feel neglected by our government, the Republic of Korea, and by the United Nations whose flag flies with ours. We cannot, in good faith, encourage our loved ones to follow our path.

We are extremely interested in your reply, and the answers to the questions fostering our confusion. Thank you for your prompt attention to a subject causing overwhelming anguish to thousands of us.

Respectfully,

KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL RESOLUTION NO. 001

RESOLUTION NO. 001 APPROVED

CREATE AND AWARD KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL FOR SERVICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

BE IT RESOLVED, that we petition for the creation and the award of the proposed U.S. KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (KDSM) for service in Korea from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined; and

WHEREAS, United States Armed Forces in Korea are in a region technically at a state-of-war where only a temporary halt to open hostilities is in place to allow ongoing negotiations, and where no surrender or peace treaty or other agreement exists that allows for the standing down of an armed force deterrent. These Forces stand between warring armies on foreign soil remaining in a defensive posture constantly wary and watchful to contain a hostile and belligerent enemy. American troops continued the operation of containment and defense along the demilitarized zone until 04 October 1991 and the southern peninsula in the same manner as they did between 27 July 1953 and 27 July 1954 when the Korea Service Medal, UN Korea Service Medal and National Defense Medal were awarded; and

WHEREAS, Korea service is unlike current military peacekeeping operations in that U.S. Forces are an extension of the original belligerents of the War and a signatory to the 1953 Armistice Agreement and cannot be considered a neutral peacekeeper; and

WHEREAS, United States Armed Forces in Korea are in direct support of the United Nations as members of the U.S. led UN Command supporting the UN Security Council Resolutions of 1950 as they continue negotiations seeking a permanent peace without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, United States Armed Forces in Korea are members of an operation of treaty obligation for defense to a friendly nation due to the U.S. – R.O.K. Mutual Security Agreement of 1954 (see following agreement quote):

Understanding of the United States of America: “It is the understanding of the United States that neither party is obligated, under Article 3 of the above Treaty, to come to the aid of the other except in case of an external armed attack against such party; nor shall anything in the present Treaty be construed as requiring the United States to give assistance to Korea except in the event of an armed attack against territory which has been recognized by the United States or lawfully brought under the administrative control of the Republic of Korea;” and

WHEREAS, United States Forces are continuously combat ready because they are part of the R.O.K-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) whose mission statement is: "Deter hostile acts of external aggression against the Republic of Korea by a combined military effort of the United States of America and the R.O.K.; and in the event deterrence fails, defeat an external armed attack against the R.O.K.," and

WHEREAS, the U.S. combat ready force CFC partner is commanded by a US general officer who reports to the National Command Authorities of both countries and whose CFC’s military power resides collectively in the ROK Armed Forces, US Forces in Korea, and US augmentation from the Pacific and the United States, and

WHEREAS, the ROK-US combined defense system remains essential to deterring or defeating a North Korean invasion, and

WHEREAS, The ROK-US security relationship is strong, continues to be viable, and has been the main factor in maintaining the cease-fire on the peninsula for over forty-seven years, and

WHEREAS, United States Armed Forces in Korea provide a deterrent to renewed hostilities causing danger to American lives and interests including U.S. Business’ and other organizations which are well established in South Korea, Japan and other Pacific Rim areas; and

WHEREAS, The Korean border is the most heavily armed and fortified border in the world; and

WHEREAS, North Korea has the 5^th largest Armed Forces and 3^rd largest Army in the world with 1 million active military troops and an additional 6 million reservists to boost its capabilities, and they are supported by an artillery force of over 12,000 self-propelled and towed weapon systems and includes 500 long-range systems, an air force of over 1,600 aircraft and a navy of more than 800 ships. North Korea has 70% of its active forces forward deployed poised in a threatening and offensive stance with 8000 artillery systems and 2000 tanks against 550,000 South Korean and 35,500 United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, there have been more than 40,500 incidents (breaches of the cease-fire agreement) causing loss of life, wounds, threats, intimidation, harassment and deception by North Korean Forces involving ground ambushes, guard post attacks, land mines, barracks bombings, assassination attempts, aerial shoot-downs and naval actions against U.S. Forces killing at least 1,500, wounding hundreds, and holding 87 as POW without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, select key incidents and violent hostile encounters (a subset) include 04 Sep 54 and 07 Nov 54 shoot-downs in Sea of Japan with 2 KIA, 19 Jan 55 DMZ shoot-down of Army L-20 Beaver with 2 KIA, 05 Feb 55 in Yellow Sea off Korea RB-45 is attacked by 12 Chinese MiGs with F-86 escorts shooting down 2 MiGs, 18 Aug 55 DMZ shoot-down of T-G Trainer with 1 KIA, 06 Mar 58 DMZ shoot-down of F-86 pilot is returned, 20 Apr 61 DMZ shoot-down of USAF plane that crashes near Seoul with 1 KIA, 03 Oct 62 soldier on guard duty shot and killed in DMZ, 23 Nov 62 soldier on patrol around OP Susan shot and killed, 17 May 63 OH-23 helicopter shot down in the DMZ with 2 pilots POW for 1 year, 29 Jul 63 patrol ambushed in DMZ with 3 KIA, 04 Aug 63 patrol engages NKs in 2 hour Firefight, 20 Nov 74 booby-trap in tunnel kills 1 USN officer, 30 Jun 75 NK guards attacked acting commander of UNC Joint Security Force in JSA with 1 KIA, 18 Aug 76 NKs murder 2 USA officers in tree-trimming incident with 4 WIA, 14 Jul 77 NKs shoot-down helicopter with 3 KIA and 1 WIA, 06 Dec 79 soldier killed in DMZ minefield, 13 and 15 May 80 Firefights at OP Ouillette, 23 Nov 84 NKs fire at defector at Panmunjom with 1 WIA, 1 ROK KIA and 2 NK KIA, 17 Dec 94 NKs shoot down helicopter in DMZ with 1 KIA and 1 POW for 13 days; and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned key incidents and violent hostile actions by North Korean Forces are not isolated incidents, but are deliberate, calculated, aggressive actions meant to intimidate the U.S. Military, to polarize U.S./R.O.K. relations, and to force UN and U.S. support to desist and ultimately cause the North to regain control over the entire peninsula under communist control; and

WHEREAS, Korea service continues to face threats through DMZ infiltrations, coastal landings, long and short range missile attacks with nuclear, chemical and biological capabilities without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Armed Forces in Korea during patrol activity and guard duty at all times wore/wear combat attire including helmets, battle dress uniforms, appropriate weapons and ammunition, communications devices, other required gear, and remain on a high alert status equal to that found anywhere else in the world without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, the Korean Peninsula continues to be one of only three remaining combat zones after removal of Vietnam in 1996 and the addition of Afghanistan in 2001, (Korea (per the Army Times), Persian Gulf, Afghanistan); and

WHEREAS, The Commander in Chief U.S. Forces in Korea/UN Command/Combined Forces Command, General Thomas Schwartz, supports and pursues the award of a Service Medal to past and current Armed Forces members with Korea service; and

WHEREAS, the Korean Peninsula is one of the two most dangerous flash points in the world today as stated by William Cohen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the free world considers North Korea a Rogue or Terrorist Nation; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. State Department continues to officially list North Korea as a terrorist country; and

WHEREAS, North Korea remains the major threat to stability and security in Northeast Asia and is the country most likely to involve the United States in a large-scale war (2000 Report to Congress,
Military Situation on the Korean Peninsula, September 12, 2000); and

WHEREAS, there would be no necessity for U.S. Armed Forces to serve on R.O.K. soil, or within the territorial waters and airspace of the R.O.K., if a non-hostile, non-aggressive, non-threatening, normal and peaceful state existed on the Korean Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, A campaign medal (Army Occupation Medal) was conferred for 10 years to those serving in Cold War West Germany from 9 May 1945 to 5 May 1955 and for 45 years to those who served in a similar defense operation in Cold War West Berlin from 9 May 1945 to 2 Oct 1990; and

WHEREAS, the AFEM was awarded for service in Korea from 01 October 1966 through 30 June 1974 when threatening conditions, deaths, and wounds existed prior to this award begin date, and subsequent to this award end date without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Chiefs have awarded the AFEM on 33 occasions and 66.66% of which involved no actual hostilities and/or casualties, and Korea service has sustained many hostile encounters and casualties without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, the AFEM was awarded retroactively to El Salvador well after hostile encounters occurred, to Haiti service as an upgrade from the Armed Forces Service Medal (non imminent danger award) until March 31, 1995 long after the hostilities were imminent, and to Regions of the Former Yugoslavia as upgrades from the AFSM (non imminent danger award) while Korea service continues to face threats through DMZ infiltrations, coastal landings, long and short range missile attacks, chemical and biological warfare without service medal recognition; and

WHEREAS, the previously awarded Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is not appropriate for this service because:

1) Korea is not a Peacekeeping deployment as defined in FM 100-5; Operations:
a. Peace Building - post conflict diplomatic and military action to identify and support structures that tend to strengthen and solidify peace in order to avoid a relapse into combat,
b. Peacekeeping - operations using military forces and or civilian personnel, at the request of the parties to a dispute, to help supervise a cease-fire agreement and/or separate the parties,
c. Peace Enforcement - Military intervention to forcefully restore peace between belligerents who may be engaged in combat.

2) The current situation evidences:
a. The 1950-1953 war has never been concluded to a permanent end state and the KSM is the service award,
b. Negotiations continue from 1953 seeking a mutual peace agreement and permanent end,
c. The post-conflict cease-fire campaign by the U.S. and UN is ongoing,
d. The U.S. being one of the original belligerents and a signatory to the Armistice, cannot doctrinally take the role of neutral peacekeeper; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Forces in the Sinai for more than 21 years receive a service medal (foreign award without a U.S. award) and have never been under-fire and have not taken a single casualty; and

WHEREAS, The Southwest Asia cease-fire is listed as a “Campaign” in AR 600-8-22 and the JCS recognizes that cease-fire operations are inherently dangerous enough to award a separate bronze service star for the Southwest Asia Service Medal of which many units were awarded campaign participation credit for the Southwest Asia Cease-fire during Desert Storm for years after the Gulf War; and

WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Navy was given authority to change the retroactive date for the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) in the fiscal year 2000 National Defense Authorization Act, and based on this change to legislation, the Secretary of the Navy has changed the retroactive date for the CAR from 1 March 1961 to 7 December 1941, thereby demonstrating that retroactive changes can be implemented; and

WHEREAS, Korea service has had more hostile actions and sustained more casualties than most operations where service medal awards were presented (Lebanon 1958, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Sinai, Panama, Southwest Asia, El Salvador, Somolia, Haiti, Balkans, others) and deserves equity accorded other operations and the prestige of a service medal award, namely the KDSM; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Korea Defense Veterans of America, Inc., that we petition for an award of the Proposed Korea Defense Service Medal for service in Korea from 28 July 1954 through 30 September 1966 and from 1 July 1974 to a date to be determined.
Submitted 04 April 2002 by the appointed Combined Regions Service Awards Committee

KOREA DEFENSE MEDAL PROPOSAL

U.S. KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
(PROPOSED)

1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 ¼ inches in diameter, a map of the Korean Peninsula separated by a line representing the 38th parallel with the letters "38" above the line on the map, inside the circumscription "KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE". On the reverse side, inside the low inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", the inscriptions "Upholding The Armistice" and "Supporting Peace" separated by a Taeguk.

2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/16 inch imperial blue 67175; 1/32 inch old glory red 67156; 1/32 inch white 67101; 1/32 inch ultramarine blue 67118; 1/32 inch white; 1/32 inch old glory red; 5/32 inch imperial blue; center 1/16 inch white; 1/4 inch bluebird 67117; 1/16 inch white; 5/32 imperial blue; 1/32 inch old glory red; 1/32 inch white; 1/32 inch ultramarine blue; 1/32 inch white; 1/32 inch old glory red; 3/16 inch imperial blue.

3. Criteria: a. The proposed KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (KDM) shall be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been stationed with or attached to a unit serving in Korea, or aboard a naval vessel in contiguous waters or airspace thereover after 27 July 1954, or serve 30 continuous or 60 non continuous days on temporary duty. Time will be waived for any member in direct combat.

b. This proposed medal will not be awarded to members receiving the Korean Service Medal (KSM) between 25 June 1950 and 27 July 1954.

c. This proposed medal will be awarded only when the KSM.

d. This medal can be awarded to any member that has received the AFEM for Korea Service as a replacement for the AFEM. The member can wear only one award, not both the AFEM and KDM for this service.

4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL L<number>. NSN <number> for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL <number>. Available commercially.
Ribbon: MIL-DTL <number>. NSN <number>.
Lapel Button: MIL-DTL <number> Available commercially.

5. Background: a. A service medal is deserved for deployment in defense of the Republic of Korea. Korea is still designated a Combat Zone and the existence of imminent danger has been constant. This proposed medal is authorized to reward service of Armed Forces members who have participated in the cease-fire containment operation in defense of the Korean Demilitarized Zone and Southern Peninsula resulting from the Armistice Agreement of 1953. The 25 June 1950 state-of-war continues to exist and the armistice of July 1953 is only a temporary halt to the open hostilities to allow ongoing peace negotiation. There is no peace accord or other existing agreement that allows for the standing-down of a armed forces deterrent. It is recognized that more than 40,479 breeches of the cease-fire agreement have occurred since its inception including direct hostile actions involving American loss of life, wounds, threats, intimidation, and deception. Imminent danger has and continues to exist for U.S. Armed Forces upholding the cease-fire agreement. The Korea Defense Veterans of America (KDVA), a National organization dedicated to Armed Forces deployed to Korea after 27 July 1954, authorized the design of the KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL to coincide with KDVA Resolution No. 001 for proposal to the Military Awards Branch. The proposal requests the KDM be awarded for Korea service from 28 July 1954 through a date to be determined. The medal was designed by Norman E. Tredway on 15 January 2000 and modified on 15 June 2000.

b1. The selected design has a centered bas-relief map of the Korean Peninsula with a demarcation line separating the two countries. On the map above and left of the demarcation line are the numerals "38" denoting the 38^th Parallel, the approximate separation of the two countries. On the reverse side, the words "Upholding the Armistice" and "Supporting Peace" evidence our commitment to maintaining the Armistice of 1953 while ever supporting peace. The Taeguk is an ancient emblem of Korea and is at the center of the R.O.K. flag.

b2. The ribbon to the Korea Defense Service Medal consists of a dark blue bas

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES JUNE 7,2001

Dedicated to U.S. Armed Forces Deployed to South Korea After July 27, 1954

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JUNE 7,2001